I remember the first day I decided to plan a trip to North Macedonia with my dog. It felt like a giant adventure into the unknown. I am a mature traveler who loves a good tour, but I always want my four-legged friend by my side.
You might wonder, what is there to do in North Macedonia with a pet? The answer is quite a lot. This country is a hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans. It is one of the most underrated places in all of Europe.
First of all, I had to look at the map to see the north macedonia border countries. You will find Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece right next door. I noticed that it is quite easy to cross over from Greece or Albania.
At that time, I also compared it to other places. I asked myself, is north italia dog friendly? I wondered, does north italia allow dogs in the same way this region does? However, North Macedonia has its own unique rules and charms for north macedonia pet travel.
The Nitty-Gritty of Travel Rules
You cannot just show up at the border without the right papers. North macedonia pet travel requires some careful planning. First of all, your pet must have a valid identification microchip. You must also ensure that all vaccinations are up to date. A veterinarian health certificate is a must-have document.
If you are coming from the United States, your pet dogs usually do not need a rabies titer test as long as they go directly or transit through specific listed countries. The health certificate must be issued by a USDA accredited vet and endorsed within 10 days of your travel. Additionally, you should know that the government can digitally sign these papers now.
I found that the local laws are actually quite protective of pets. The Law on the Protection and Welfare of Animals was adopted in 2014. This law says that animals are conscious beings with needs. It is illegal to cause them pain or suffering.
Owners must provide daily water and food of the right quality. If a pet is found in a public area without an owner, the municipality must collect it and put it in a shelter. Therefore, the country is working hard to be better for all animals in Dog-Friendly North Macedonia.
Getting Around with Your Dog
My experience with transportation was a bit of a mix. First of all, let us talk about the city buses in Skopje. The Public Transport Authority announced that dogs can use the buses and cable car cabins. However, there are some catches. Your pet must be on a leash and muzzled if it is necessary. It is best to avoid the crowded hours and pick off-peak times. You must also be very clean and pick up after your pet.
Some people on Reddit say they have seen people carry all sorts of things on buses. One person saw someone with a chicken. Another mentioned people bringing donkeys or pigs on village buses. Plus, if your dog is in a carrier bag, most drivers will not mind at all.
Later, I tried using a car. Hiring a car is the best way to see the country. The roads are surprisingly good even at the top of mountain peaks. Additionally, it is a small country. You can get almost anywhere in about two or three hours at the most. Just remember to check if your rental company is dog friendly. Some might charge an insane fee if they do not allow pets. I always bring a cheap sheet for the back seat to save on cleaning fees.
Exploring the Capital City of Skopje
Skopje is a very interesting place. It is the capital city and feels a bit eccentric. Gradually, you will notice three main areas: the old town, the bohemian district, and the redeveloped downtown. The downtown area has a massive 72-foot-tall statue of Alexander the Great.
On top of that, there is another statue of Philip II that is 95 feet tall. Some people think these are a bit kitschy, but they make for great photos.
What is there to do in north macedonia when you are in the city? North macedonia walking is the best way to see Skopje. I took my dog to City Park, which has beautiful green scenery and lots of space to run. Similarly, Vodno Mountain is right there if you want a harder hike. Though there are no beaches, you can walk along the Vardar River.
I found some great places to eat and drink where my dog was welcome. Public Room is a trendy cafe that even provides water bowls. Kantina is a hipster cafe with outdoor seating that loves dogs. On top of that, I discovered the Books & Dogs Cafe in the Aerodrom area. It is a cozy spot where you can read books and hang out with your furry friend.
They even have a “passport” for pets where you get stamps for drinks. Finally, if you are at the airport, look for Dino the zen dog. He is a friendly dog who helps calm down passengers who feel stressed about flying. He is three and a half years old and very gentle.
The Beauty of Mavrovo National Park
After the city, I headed to Mavrovo National Park. It is a hidden gem in the west. The park covers 78 square kilometers of land. It has lakes, forests, and the tall Bistra mountain range. First of all, the air there is amazing. It feels like dialysis for your lungs.
There is so much to do here. You can go hiking on many different trails. The Galichnik Trail is very popular. If you are feeling brave, you can try the Mount Korab route to the highest peak at 2,764 meters. Additionally, Mavrovo Lake is a great spot for a picnic or kayaking. I saw the famous submerged St. Nicholas Church. It sits in the water, but you can walk to it when the lake level is low in autumn and winter. Therefore, it is a perfect place for Dog-Friendly North Macedonia walking with a dog.
I found several pet-friendly hotels in the area. Mia’s Favorite Hotel is a very nice place that welcomes pets. It has a big terrace with views of the lake. LAKEVIEW Hotel & Apartments also provides a garden and a restaurant where you can stay with your dog.
On the contrary, if you want something more private, you can find chalets like Pandora. The hosts there are very welcoming and might even have coffee with you in the morning.
The Charm of Lake Ohrid
My next stop was Ohrid. People call it the highlight of the Balkans, and I agree. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The water is 300 meters deep and incredibly clear. First of all, you must walk along the promenade. Similarly, a boat cruise is a great way to see the city skyline from the water.
I took my dog to the Bay of Bones Museum. This is a reconstruction of an ancient village on stilts in the water. It dates back to 1200-700 B.C.. The site is dog friendly as long as your pet is on a leash. However, you must pick up your dog if you go inside the museum buildings. The entry fee is only 150 denar, which is very cheap. On top of that, the views of the turquoise water are spectacular.
There are so many churches to see in Ohrid. The Church of Saint Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo is the most famous. It sits on a cliff above the lake and looks magical at sunset. Additionally, the Church of Hagia Sophia from the 9th century is a must-visit for history lovers.
Gradually, I made my way to the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Lychnidos. It was built around 200 B.C. and is still used for concerts today. The best part? It is completely free to visit.
For a place to stay, I found plenty of pet-friendly rentals on Airbnb. Villa Elza is right on the shore of the lake in the Kaneo neighborhood. Villa Serenity offers a rustic retreat with amazing lake views. Also, House of Grupchevi is a national heritage property where you can stay in one of the oldest houses in the city. Therefore, you have many choices for a comfortable stay with your pet.
Hiking and Nature Adventures
If you love the outdoors, you will love the Dog-Friendly North Macedonia walking trails. First of all, try the scenic route from Velestovo over Tri Mazhi. It is about 11.2 kilometers long and takes around four hours. When it is hot down by the lake, it is usually 8 degrees cooler up there. Additionally, the Vevchani Green Family Hike is a great adventure. It takes you through a charming village with waterfalls and forests.
I also visited the Vevchani Springs. It is a very peaceful place with fresh air. There is a small entry fee of 50 MKD, but it is worth it for the clean paths and beautiful nature. Similarly, the Biogradska Gora National Park in neighboring Montenegro is dog friendly if you decide to cross the border. You can walk the loop around the lake with your pet.
One of the most unique experiences was Sherpa Horse Riding in Galichnik. While I was there, I saw people petting the dogs at the ranch. They offer amazing tours through the mountains. Though I did not ride a horse with my dog, the area itself is beautiful for a visit.
Finally, if you need to buy any handmade paper souvenirs, stop by the National Workshop for Handmade Paper. They use an original Gutenberg printing press, one of only two still in use in the world.
Dealing with Strays and Local Attitudes
You will see many animals in north macedonia, especially stray dogs. In some places, there are tons of them. First of all, do not be too scared. Most of them are very sweet and calm. I saw that many have a little mark on their ear.
This means they are vaccinated and castrated. They might just come and sit next to you while you eat. However, you should still be careful because you never know how they might react to your own dog.
At that time, I noticed that some local people are a bit wary of dogs. They might cross the road or look at your dog with caution. This is often because they worry about rabies or strays. Therefore, I always make sure to give people space.
On top of that, most grocery stores do not allow dogs inside. You will have to plan your shopping trips carefully. However, cafes and restaurants are usually fine with you sitting at the outdoor tables.
Pet Health and Safety
What happens if your dog gets sick? First of all, do not panic. Skopje has several good veterinary clinics. Pet-Vet Aerodrom and Animal Medica are options in the city. I found that many younger vets speak very good English. Vet In is a clinic where the doctor was educated in the USA. They are very helpful with paperwork and check-ups.
Additionally, if you have an emergency, there are trustworthy vets who can do surgery or stitches if needed. It is a good idea to keep their phone numbers handy just in case. On top of that, there are many pet stores scattered around Skopje where you can buy food and supplies. Gradually, you will find everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
I learned a few things that made my trip much easier. First of all, the currency is the Macedonian Dinar (MKD). It is a very cheap country compared to places like London or Paris. You can get a luxury experience for a fraction of the price. Additionally, card payments and contactless options are very common. I recommend using Sparkasse Bank ATMs because they do not charge extra fees.
The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn. The summer can get as hot as 45 degrees, which is too much for most dogs. The winter can drop to -20 degrees. Therefore, late April to early June is perfect. Similarly, mid-September to October offers great weather without too much rain.
Finally, I want to mention the Dog-Friendly North Macedonia dog breeds. While I did not see one specific “national” breed everywhere, the dogs in the mountains are often large and hardy. One of the most stressful parts of my trip was the border crossing from Kosovo.
The officer did not believe that my dog was a Boston Terrier and thought I was lying. He insisted she was a French Bulldog! After an hour and a phone call to a colleague, he finally let us through. So, always be patient at the borders.
Summary of My Journey
North Macedonia is a beautiful place for a dog owner who loves to explore. Though there are some challenges with public transport and local attitudes, the natural beauty and history make up for it. First of all, you have the stunning Lake Ohrid. Next, you have the wild forests of Mavrovo. Additionally, the city of Skopje offers a quirky and fun atmosphere.
I found that the people are incredibly friendly and helpful. They actually want you to enjoy their country. On top of that, it is a very safe place to travel. Therefore, if you are looking for a new adventure with your pet, you should definitely consider this country. Gradually, you will fall in love with its charm just like I did.
To help you remember all this, think of North Macedonia like a big dog friendly backyard. It might have a few stray cats and a bit of a messy corner here and there, but there is plenty of room to run, a beautiful pond to look at, and the neighbors are always happy to see you. It is a place where you and your dog can truly feel at home while exploring the world together.
Article Quick Stats:
- Total Distance (Ohrid to Prizren): 127 miles (204 km).
- Drive Time: 3 hours 31 minutes.
- Lake Ohrid Depth: 300 meters.
- Mavrovo National Park Area: 78 square kilometers.
- Highest Peak (Mount Korab): 2,764 meters.
- Bay of Bones Entry Fee: 150 MKD.
- Vevchani Springs Entry Fee: 50 MKD.
- Average Pet-Friendly Hotel Price in Mavrovo: $73 per night.
FAQ
What to avoid in Macedonia?
You must watch out for petty crime in Skopje. I saw a phone snatched right in front of my eyes. Also, avoid the bad chestnut sellers near Lake Ohrid. They sometimes sell old nuts to tourists. Do not take your dog for long walks when it is 45 degrees outside. Finally, stay away from the malls when they are too crowded during the weekends.
Can I speak English in North Macedonia?
Yes. English is very widely spoken almost everywhere. People will be able to understand and help you. Additionally, younger vets and professionals speak it very well. It makes travel very easy.
Is North Macedonia a high risk country?
No. It is a very safe country. Serious crime is almost unheard of. However, you should still be careful with your wallet and phone in the city. Plus, the rural areas are considered very safe and peaceful.
Which countries hate North Macedonia?
Greece has a long history of being unhappy with the name of the country. They even blocked applications to the EU and NATO because of it. Additionally, Russia has put them on a list of hostile countries. There are also mentions of tension at the border with Serbia and Kosovo.
Is Macedonia a rich or poor country?
It is a country that offers amazing value for money. You can get a luxury experience for one-fourth of the price of London or Paris. However, some buildings and streets are old and need more work. Gradually, things are getting improved.
What country treats dogs the best?
In France, it feels like every person has a pet and they are welcome in many spots. Italy is also great because of the enthusiastic affection dogs receive there.
Can I use euro in North Macedonia?
No. The official currency is the Macedonian Dinar (MKD). It is very colorful. Though some places like the mall might mention a 5 euro fee for ATMs, you should use local cash or cards.
Are Macedonians Greek or Slav?
They are Slavic Orthodox. St. Cyril and Methodius even invented the first version of their alphabet. However, there is a big debate with Greece because the government built statues of Alexander the Great, which Greeks say belongs to their history.
Concluding Words
North Macedonia is a beautiful and affordable spot for anyone traveling with a dog. You will find that cities like Skopje have quirky statues and pet-friendly cafes, while Lake Ohrid offers clear water and ancient history.
Nature lovers should head to Mavrovo National Park for hiking and winter sports. Vets are professional and often speak English, making paperwork easy. Therefore, if you want a trip that is easy on the wallet but rich in scenery, this is the place to go. Just remember to bring your pet’s health certificate and a spirit for adventure!
